The Breville BES840XL Infuser Espresso Machine

If you’re tired of having to go to the café for a good espresso, but you don’t have thousands of dollars to drop on a fancy new espresso machine... we hear you.

That’s why we’d like to introduce you to the Breville BES840XL Infuser. This brewer is a high-powered tool that will leave you with some of the absolute best home-brewed espresso you’ve ever tasted. If you’re interested in getting a great cup ‘a joe at home and at a great price, this model is the answer.

The Breville Infuser 'In A Nutshell'

The Breville BES840XL Infuser

Aesthetic Appeal

Ease Of Use

Brew Control Ability

Portability

Price

3.76

The espresso that comes from the Breville Infuser is one that is high quality, and the features are easy to use once you get the hang of everything it is capable of doing. Thats why it keeps making it into top espresso machine lists like this one.

This effortless technology makes it an ideal option for anyone looking to brew a barista-quality cuppa in their own home with the greatest of ease.

For the price of the machine, which is VERY good, you get automatic features that provide everything from exceptional temperature control to a perfect extraction pressure for your brew.

This machine is as beautiful as it is efficient with bold stainless steel casing and equipment, smooth edges and clean lines. It’s an ideal semi-automatic home brewing option from a company that knows their business when it comes to brewing coffee. This is one of Brevilles best machines as voted by the thousands of customer reviews online.

The Breville BES840XL Infuser Espresso Machine Review

Loaded with features that allow you to take your espresso-brewing adventures to the next level, this quality machine is the perfect option for the budding home barista.

It may not be the cheapest espresso machine on the market, but remember, for all of that cost you are getting a high-quality product and the simplicity of espresso making.

Just keep in mind that this purchase doesn’t equate to the ease of picking up a latte at Starbucks. It’s much more of a long-term investment that will require patience and practice as you learn to conquer your brew like a supreme barista!

And don’t forget those colors! While most units come in a chrome or black color choice, the Breville Infuser also has a beautiful cranberry red option that can really brighten up your kitchen!

PROS

It produces high-quality espresso and froth.

Auto purge function

1600W thermocoil heating system

Hot water outlet allows you to heat your cup or make other drinks

CONS

Requires some experimenting to achieve an espresso that suits your tastes

Has a steeper learning curve

A temperature adjustment that puts you in the driver’s seat

One of the Infuser’s best features comes in the form of its 1600W thermocoil heating system which circulates the water you use through a coil, regulating the water temperature for you and allowing you to make minute temperature adjustments to the Breville Infuser at will. This allows you to calibrate it until it delivers a perfectly heated cup of espresso every single time you use it.

Gauges and controls to keep you in control

We also love the espresso pressure gauge displayed on the front of the Infuser that monitors the machine’s 15 bar Breville Infuser pump and lets you know what pressure the machine is operating at for an optimum brew.

The pressure gauge works together with automatic volumetric controls that use a sensor to create the perfect volume of espresso.

If you’re not a fan of feeling trapped by presets, though, don’t fear! If you prefer a different setting, it is just as easy to override the automatic settings to cater to your preferences.

Automatic cleaning provides peace of mind

The auto-purge function will prompt you to clean with an "Empty me" notice, making it easy to know when to clean. This means you won’t be caught off guard with a malfunctioning machine just because you totally forgot to put “clean the coffee maker” into your calendar. You can rest assured that the machine will let you know when it needs to be taken care of.

The learning curve and the durability of the Breville Infuser

The Infuser is one of the more advanced espresso machines on the market, with external and internal features that require the user to browse through the manual to understand. So take the time to learn your machine, so that it works for you like a tamed horse rather than throwing you like a wild stallion.

It may take more effort than a simple machine, but you get more for your money with the Infuser. There’s no doubt that the Infuser is built to last. From its high-quality stainless steel parts to its numerous features, this machine is designed to take the place of your local coffee shop for the long term.

More than just espresso = choices!

The machine also has a designated outlet for external hot water, which means you can make so much more than just espresso.

This tool that is included in the Infuser will allow you to make hot chocolate, a fast Americano or use the frother for a latte.

It can also be used to warm your cup beforehand. What more could you ask for?

Not Quite Satisfied with the Breville BES840XL? Here Are Some Alternatives...

Of course, the Breville Infuser isn’t a perfect fit for everyone. If you feel like this all sounds great, but it’s just not quite the machine you were hoping for, here are a couple of alternatives to consider!

The Gaggia 14101 Classic

First up we have the Breville Infuser vs the Gaggia Classic. Comparable in price, this nifty stainless steel unit is also capable of brewing a double shot. It also comes equipped with both a commercial portafilter and a Pannarello steam wand. This unique accessory can be ideal for the inexperienced home barista who doesn’t want to ruin every cup of coffee they brew by manhandling the milk.

From its thin design – it’s quite a bit smaller, though a tad taller than the Breville – to its specialty wand and quality brewing capabilities, the Gaggia is a great alternative coming from another dependable company with a well-established reputation in the coffee world. However, if looks matter to you, this one doesn’t have quite the same sleekness to its design… or the same color options that the Breville BES840XL boasts.

The Breville BES870XL Barista Express

Another one to consider may be the Barista Express. This one is keeping it in the family, as both models are of Breville make. If you like the idea of a Breville, but you feel the Infuser isn’t quite the machine you had hoped to invest in, you may want to consider the BES870XL.

The main difference here is that the two machines operate on quite different levels. Nearly twice the price of the Infuser, the Barista Express is designed to bring the coffee shop right into your kitchen.

The unit comes replete with an inbuilt burr coffee grinder, is programmable, and can even heat and froth the milk simultaneously while your shot is being pulled thanks to its heat-exchange boiler system.

THE VERDICT

This all-inclusive product takes your brewing adventures to the next level by giving you, the home barista, control over your brew in ways that a lower-end machine just can’t. Balance that against its still impressively affordable price point, and this feature-loaded brewer is a perfect choice for anyone trying to push their brewing skills to new levels!

If you’re interested in checking out the Breville BES840XL Infuser, you can check it out here.

Alex

Alex is the Founder and Editor of Homegrounds.co. He is passionate about brewing amazing coffee at home, and teaching others to do the same.

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